Martha's Rule will be expanded to all hospital A&E departments and waiting rooms by March 2028.

Patients, loved ones and staff in emergency departments will be able to call a dedicated Martha’s Rule phone number to trigger an urgent review if a patient’s condition is deteriorating and they are worried their concern is not being listened to.

Martha's Rule is already in place for those already admitted to hospital.

The phased roll-out is due to be completed by March 2028.

Professor Aidan Fowler, National Director of Patient Safety at NHS England, said: “A&Es see some of our most vulnerable patients, so the ability to raise concerns about deterioration quickly and trigger a rapid review of care is essential.

“Martha’s Rule is already having a transformative effect in making our acute care even safer, and by expanding Martha’s Rule into A&Es, we are giving even more patients, their families and NHS staff a critical new lifeline to help improve care and save more lives.

“Early testing has shown that Martha’s Rule can work well in busy A&Es and builds on the evidence from our adult and children’s wards, where thousands of calls have been made by patients, families and staff to date – with many leading to changes in treatment and potentially life-saving interventions.”

Health and Social Care Minister Baroness Merron said: “Martha’s Rule is about making sure patients and their loved ones are heard when they raise concerns about their care.

“Expanding it to A&E will give patients, families and staff another way to speak up when they are worried that someone’s condition is getting worse, ensuring concerns are acted on quickly.

“This is part of our wider efforts to put patient safety at the heart of the NHS.”